Glossary
Certificate of succession (akt poświadczenia dziedziczenia)
A Polish notary issues the certificate of succession (APD), which has the effect of a court ruling. See what it proves and what it doesn't for crypto.
The certificate of succession (akt poświadczenia dziedziczenia, APD) is a Polish legal instrument: a document drawn up by a Polish notary that confirms who inherits from the deceased. Once registered, it has the effect of a final court ruling confirming the acquisition of an estate.
It’s governed by the Polish Notaries Act (Prawo o notariacie, Article 95a ff.). The notary first records an inheritance protocol with all interested persons present, then, if there are no doubts, draws up the certificate. The notary refuses if, for example, one of the interested persons is absent, an unopened will exists, or the same estate has already been confirmed. Then the court route remains.
The document establishes the heirs and their shares. It doesn’t transfer keys or open a wallet. For crypto, it may be needed to prove your rights to an exchange. With a self-custody wallet, it settles who is entitled to the estate but gives no access to the funds: that comes from holding the recovery phrase.
Why it matters for your family
You can show the certificate to an exchange or a bank as proof of inheritance rights, though each firm sets its own requirements. With a self-custody wallet, the family needs both things: the document and the technical access. So access instructions don’t replace the formalities, and the formalities don’t replace the instructions. The pillar on crypto inheritance describes the order of steps. Other countries have their own equivalents, so check locally. This is not legal advice; for your own case, ask a notary or lawyer.
Accurate as of 19 October 2026.
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